Don't even trust that you are able to unify what everyone is thinking; it is impossible
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the unattainability of fully understanding or unifying the thoughts of everyone.
Jack Ma's quote highlights the complexity of human thoughts and opinions, suggesting that it is an unrealistic endeavor to expect one individual or even a group to reconcile or comprehend the diverse perspectives held by all. This speaks to the importance of recognizing individual differences and the limitations of our understanding of others.
In practice
This quote can be used in a team meeting to highlight the importance of valuing diverse opinions.
Hong Kong people say Hong Kong needs to preserve its uniqueness. I say Hong Kong's uniqueness is in its diversity, its tolerance of difference cultures... China does not want to see Hong Kong in decline. I have full confidence in its future.
If we are a good team and know what we want to do, one of us can defeat tons of them.
It's not that other countries steal jobs from you guys. It's your strategy. Distribute the money and things in a proper way.
Helping doing business easier, we choose the name Alibaba because it is a global company. It is founded in China, but it was created for the world.
In the beginning I just wanted to survive. For the first three years, we made zero revenue. I remember many times when I was trying to pay up, the restaurant owner would say, 'Your bill was paid.' And there would be a note saying, 'Mr. Ma, I'm your customer on the Alibaba platform. I made a lot of money, and I know you don't, so I paid the bill.'
Even if your competitor is still small in size or weak, you should take him seriously and treat him as a giant. Likewise, even if your competitor is massive in size, you shouldn't regard yourself as a weakling.
He whose face gives no light, shall never become a star.
The difference between mercy and grace? Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance. Grace gave him a feast.
Do your work, but do your thing.
There is something wonderfully bold and liberating about saying yes to our entire imperfect and messy life.
There is no one, says another, whom fortune does not visit once in his life; but when she does not find him ready to receive her, she walks in at the door, and flies out at the window.
I've learnt something from every failure. The products I helped design at the first two companies I worked for were utter failures. But now I know why.
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